Director - Planning (MAS365)

About Qiddiya Investment Company

Qiddiya Investment Company is a leading Saudi developer and investment holding enterprise driving the vision for Qiddiya City, focusing on entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions. The company operates at the intersection of large-scale development and visionary city building, prioritizing integrated planning, robust governance, and coordinated project delivery.

Role Overview

The Director - Planning will play a key role in shaping the planning and regulatory environment underpinning the Qiddiya City development. This leadership position involves contributing to the design and execution of planning frameworks, permitting strategies, and regulatory systems critical to city-wide implementation, working collaboratively across internal teams and with external stakeholders to ensure effective and innovative planning operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate the creation and enforcement of the statutory planning control framework for Qiddiya City.
• Translate and integrate City Framework Plan masterplans into a unified city-wide planning system.
• Expand permitting activities supporting the broader QIC Group, including operational permits and licensing scopes.
• Engage with government entities to streamline permitting processes, overseeing MOUs, SLAs, and partnership agreements.
• Define and manage the future responsibilities associated with permitting and licensing for Qiddiya City.
• Drive enhancements in systems and processes connected to evolving permitting functions.
• Contribute to developing the technology strategy for managing the regulatory ecosystem of Qiddiya City.
• Lead implementation of technology and digital solutions to bolster critical regulatory and permitting operations.

Candidate Requirements

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, City Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Public Policy, Real Estate Development, or closely related disciplines; Master's degree is preferred.
• Demonstrate significant experience in statutory planning, urban development frameworks, master planning, or regulatory planning relevant to large-scale city projects.
• Proven expertise in designing governance structures, service models, MOUs, SLAs, and managing stakeholder agreements.
• At least 13 years of professional experience in urban planning, regulatory frameworks, permitting, or city management roles.
• Practical experience working with planning systems, permitting workflows, GIS technologies, and related digital tools.
• Experience collaborating with government authorities and external stakeholders is essential.
• Must be eligible to work in Saudi Arabia.